Chicken Shenanigans: Natural Free Range Chickens and Backyard Mayhem
Melissa Humphries Melissa Humphries

Chicken Shenanigans: Natural Free Range Chickens and Backyard Mayhem

Have you ever noticed how many sayings come from bird life?

Don’t get your feathers ruffled

Don’t count your eggs before they hatch

Dirty bird

Silly bird

Can you read my chicken scratch?

All cooped up

I mean, clearly, chickens have had a chokehold on culture longer than we realize.

Anyway—today I learned something new: the angry version of the egg song? That full-throated chicken chorus? That’s not just a post-lay celebration—it’s a defense mechanism. It’s how the girls alert each other—and me—to danger.

Right before a Zoom call this morning, I heard…

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“What a nice view for a garden!”
Melissa Humphries Melissa Humphries

“What a nice view for a garden!”

Those were the words that my neighbor enthusiastically yelled to me today as she rode by on her bike. While the wind was biting and cold, I couldn’t keep myself from getting out there to do time sensitive work of…

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Join the Adventure with Friends of the Garden Membership!
Melissa Humphries Melissa Humphries
Preview

Join the Adventure with Friends of the Garden Membership!

Join the Friends of the Garden Club and unlock a world of exclusive, enriching experiences in a unique, intimate setting. As a member, you’ll enjoy valuable benefits, including hands-on workshops, serene nature outings, and special events—all designed to nourish your soul and deepen your connection with nature. Discover the magic and camaraderie in our garden sanctuary.

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Why I’m shopping for Seeds in the Middle of a Snowstorm—And why you should, too.
Melissa Humphries Melissa Humphries

Why I’m shopping for Seeds in the Middle of a Snowstorm—And why you should, too.

The Seeds You Need to Start Indoors

If you wait until it’s warm to start certain crops, you’ll never get a harvest before the first frost sneaks back in. Tomatoes and peppers are non-negotiable for early indoor starts. Unlike fast-growing crops that can be direct sown, tomatoes and peppers need time—and in Vermont, planting them straight into the ground just isn’t an option.

That’s why I’m doing my seed shopping now.

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